Contents

Overview

This is a common opening strategy in StarCraft II beta, there are variations of this build, but this is the most economical one. The goal is to have a very solid economy for Roach production very quickly, yet be able to defend most 10pool and Roach openings. It is best applied for ZvZ, but can also be used ZvT versus Marine/Reactor or Hellion/Factory openings as well as ZvP for 2 or more Gateway Zealot rush openings.

Goal

Basic Build Order

Basic Build

10 Overlord (extractor trick)

15 Pool

15 Extractor

100% extractor 3 drones on gas

17 Roach Warren

16 Queen

18 Overlord (extractor trick)

Notes

Scouting

Execution

Depending on what the scout(s) see the build can vary. And this build should be avoided if scouting 6-10pool. If the opponent is doing the same or similar build, you may delay the timing of Spawning Pool or Roach Warren (based on walking distance).

Upon completion of the Roach Warren you will usually have 1 free Larva, depending on the opponents action you may make a drone or Roach here. Shortly after the Queen's Spawn Larva should finish on the Hatchery, again depending on the opponent you may make drones or Roaches.

It is common for this build to get Lair tech in ZvZ very quickly after about 5~ Roaches are created to defend the ramp/choke.
5 is a good number because 5 Roaches will do 75 damage in a single volley(after armor reduction) to another Roach, and a Roach has 145 hit points (2 volleys will score a kill).
Once at Lair tech, you will need

Roach Speed

Burrow

Morph an Overseer (for detector to keep with your Roaches, to spawn Changelings to scout, and to itself scout with the speed increase)